Your teenager comes to you asking about orthodontic care. You realize that your child’s smile could appear straighter, gaps could be closed, etc., but as far as you know, it’s just esthetic. You aren’t necessarily against braces or other treatments but you don’t know if it’s really a priority. Can’t your child just receive this type of care later in life if it’s still a concern? How to decide one way or another? For starters, we suggest you take our Springfield, OH team’s professional perspective into account! You may be surprised that orthodontics now can be an extremely good decision that will benefit your kiddo for life!
Reason #1: Shifting Teeth Now Is Easier
One of the reasons it is so beneficial to provide orthodontic care for your teenage child (rather than assuming it’s better to wait until adulthood) is the fact that it’s easier in many ways for teen smiles. First, remember that your child is still growing. We may be able, in some cases, to intervene to prevent serious misalignment or to make treatment easier, rather than fixing problems once they have fully formed. In addition, since your child’s jawbone is not yet finished growing, it is physically easier to shift teeth!
Reason #2: An Aligned Smile Is A Well-Functioning Smile
When you decide to provide your teenager with orthodontic care, you’re guiding your child’s smile toward alignment, which means top and bottom teeth will sit in precise alignment. This will look good, it will feel good, and it will also promote a good bite. Why is a healthy bite so important? Well, it makes for comfortable and effective chewing, or the function of one’s smile. As a result, your child will much more easily avoid problems commonly caused by misalignment, such as bruxism (grinding/clenching), TMJ disorder (jaw joint issues), and difficulty with chewing or articulate speech!
Reason #3: Aligned Teeth Are Easier To Keep Healthy
Plain and simple, orthodontic care that results in an aligned smile makes for improved dental hygiene. Teeth that are crowded, overlapping one another, spaced apart, crooked, etc., are not as easy to clean as those that rest side-by-side in beautiful formation. By aligning your child’s smile before adulthood, you promote an easier-to-maintain smile, which encourages oral health that lasts a lifetime.
Give Your Child The Gift Of Smile Alignment
When you have questions about whether or not orthodontic care is a wise selection for your child or teenager, we encourage you to set up a consultation. We will be happy to discuss benefits, options, and more! Ready for your checkup in Springfield, OH? Schedule your appointment with North Spring Dental today by calling 937.399.3800.